Learn about the natural health benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine & find an Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner/clinic in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to assist you further within New Zealand.
Fact: Traditional Chinese Medicine is the THIRD oldest form of medicine behind Egyptian and Babylonian medicine.
Therapy Type: Natural Medicine
WHAT EXACTLY IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE?
Traditional Chinese medicine holds it’s philosophy within the principle that the root of ill health is a result of disturbances and disparity within the flow of vital energy in the body, known as qi or chi (pronounced as ‘chee’).
In ancient China, traditional medicine was used as a complete system, which combined acupuncture, herbal medicines, massage, dietary therapy and forms of exercise such as qigong and Tai chi. Often now these are broken down into separate systems. Traditional medicine practitioners use a holistic method, which treats the body as a whole. Unlike conventional medicine this form of treatment emphasises the strong connections between all parts of the body and mind, as well as the individual and the environment. In this way, the aim of traditional Chinese medicine is to restore balance to the body’s vital energy, qi.
A therapist reaches a diagnosis and can plan treatment, once the individual’s symptoms have been assessed holistically. These are communicated through the balance of yin and yang. Femininity, earth and cold are symbolized by yin and yang signifies masculinity, sky and heat. It is the belief of Traditional Chinese medicine that it is the interaction of the five elements; metal, fire, earth, water and wood and how yin and yang interrelate together to assess and restore balance.
Practitioners seek to control the levels of yin and yang through 12 energy pathways, called ‘meridians’, within the body. For example, acupuncture is based on the meridian theory and one of the most widely used Chinese medicine practices. Additionally traditional Chinese medicine utilizes herbal medicines as a regular part of their medicinal system.
Chinese Medicine may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:
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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM CHINESE MEDICINE SESSIONS
The initial session may last between 60 and 90 minutes. Your therapist will conduct a thorough holistic assessment including a physical examination. They may observe the colour and form of your face and body, note the condition of your skin and nails, check how your breath and body odour smells and look at your posture. The condition of your tongue, ie; its shape, color, and coating, also provides important data on the way your circulation and metabolism affects your internal organs. In addition, your pulse may be felt at three different points on each wrist as each location corresponds to a different part of the body. These observations are used to diagnose any imbalances within the body and to help determine the most effective course of treatment.
Treatment plans could contain additional treatments of cupping, herbal remedies, acupuncture, Chinese massage, gigong or tai qi martial art. The plan is based upon the therapists training and background.
Moxibustion is a heat treatment whereby pressure points or acupoints are by burning an herb called moxa (compressed artemisia leaf) on or near the acupoint.
Duration and frequency of treatment will depend on the nature of your condition. For positive results, stress related issues may require one to three visits over a period of two weeks whereas chronic conditions may require 12 or more (acupuncture) treatments over three months.
The therapist will require you to be actively involved within your treatment plan and the healing and balance which you are aiming for through meditation, a healthy diet and exercise plan. Herbal medicines can provide relief in a matter of hours when treating flu or colds, but can however take longer when healing the functions of the internal organs.
TCM is both a popular healing choice and an effective holistic approach to maintaining health. It is also non-invasive and safe when carried out by a qualified therapist. It is wise to carry out some research and select a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as The New Zealand Natural Medicine Association (NZNMA). TCM therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment. These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.
The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Practitioners within your region. We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.
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